Sector Trends
Understanding Forces Shaping the Nonprofit Arts and Culture Sector
The arts and culture sector is constantly evolving, shaped by economic shifts, funding challenges, and changing audience behaviors. At SMU DataArts, we analyze key financial and operational trends to assess the health and sustainability of arts organizations nationwide. Through partnerships with local agencies, funders, and service organizations, our research uncovers regional and discipline-specific dynamics and trends to foster effective investment and support for a wide range of organizations.
By integrating data across budget sizes, disciplines, and BIPOC-led organizations, we uncover insights into the sector’s strengths, vulnerabilities, and opportunities.
Our research—developed in collaboration with local agencies, funders, and service organizations—provides actionable data to guide strategic investment and long-term sustainability.
2024 National Trends in Arts and Culture
Drawing on data provided by over 700 organizations of varying budget sizes, geographic locations, and artistic disciplines, our analysis offers insights into funding sources and attendance, staffing patterns, and working capital.
Notable Publications
Assessing the Sustainability of Bay Area Performing Arts Organizations
MAY 29, 2025
In-person attendance rates are increasing, but earned revenue is still in recovery. Expanded education offerings and free community programs were a primary driver for increased attendance.
Are Capital Reserves Amassed During the Pandemic Beginning to Erode?
MAY 02, 2024
As expenses rebounded in 2022 and outpaced revenue in 2023, the average organization experienced a slight deficit. This trend is reflected in a declining months of available working capital.
Arts Organizations Grow Staff Despite Challenging Conditions
APR 30, 2024
Organizations are rebuilding compensation to artists after steep cuts during the pandemic, but average compensation to artists has decreased by 25% in inflation-adjusted dollars over the period analyzed.
As Relief Funding Dwindles, Arts and Culture Seek New Revenue Sources
APR 26, 2024
Total operating revenue in FY 2023 neared its return to pre-pandemic levels in inflation adjusted dollars, but organizations became–and remain–more dependent on contributed revenue for their survival.
Nonprofit Theatre Sector Faces an All-Time Low for Total Earned Income in 2022
APR 17, 2024
This report, published by Theatre Communications Group focuses on organizational fiscal years ending between October 2021 and September 2022, capturing a second full fiscal year impacted COVID-19.
Dance Companies Navigate Rising Expenses and Shifts in Revenue Sources
APR 17, 2024
Expenses in 2022 slightly exceeded pre-pandemic levels, though not in inflation adjusted terms. Total expenses were 2% higher in 2022 than in 2019, but real buying power was 11% lower due to inflation.
Sarah Williams
Arts Program Officer, Kenneth Rainin Foundation
“The SMU DataArts team not only analyzed the data, but helped us translate complex findings into clear, actionable insights, which we then shared with our grantee and philanthropic community with an engaging webinar. Their expertise and partnership made for a collaborative and rewarding process.”